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The combination of properties they are talking about (the soon-to-be-former-Saks building plus three adjoining parcels along Fifth) could be used for a large project. I do wonder what would happen to the Park Building, however, at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield--it could be a great component of an overall project, or the project could go around it, but I would REALLY hate to see it torn down. It is an 1896 building, probably the oldest steel-frame highrise left in Pittsburgh, with a lot of its original features intact (although it had a not-so-great renovation in the 1960s), including the iconic telemones:

The combination of properties they are talking about (the soon-to-be-former-Saks building plus three adjoining parcels along Fifth) could be used for a large project. I do wonder what would happen to the Park Building, however, at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield--it could be a great component of an overall project, or the project could go around it, but I would REALLY hate to see it torn down. It is an 1896 building, probably the oldest steel-frame highrise left in Pittsburgh, with a lot of its original features intact (although it had a not-so-great renovation in the 1960s), including the iconic telemones:

Oh my goodness, I hope the Park Building is okay. What a great picture you have there. Wow. Thanks for posting that photo.

Nope, it is the same. Just depends on who wants the Park Building and what they need. Do they need some huge footprint? If so, it probably will be lost. You never know. Depends on who ends up with it and how much money it can create? How many jobs? The Park Building is amazing! Love that picture. I am going to have a look at that building in the next few days to have a real close inspection. There should be tours in Pittsburgh showing some of these amazing buildings. Truly there are some great treasures here.

The combination of properties they are talking about (the soon-to-be-former-Saks building plus three adjoining parcels along Fifth) could be used for a large project. I do wonder what would happen to the Park Building, however, at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield--it could be a great component of an overall project, or the project could go around it, but I would REALLY hate to see it torn down. It is an 1896 building, probably the oldest steel-frame highrise left in Pittsburgh, with a lot of its original features intact (although it had a not-so-great renovation in the 1960s), including the iconic telemones:

if these types of projects were no longer necessary, would the ura stop doing them or do they do it because they exist? small buildings downtown aren't necessarily a bad thing as they provide an avenue for small time investors to get into the act who often have better ideas. the park building is a whole other matter, it would certainly be a backwards idea to tear it down.

The Park Building is probably the oldest surviving steel-framed building in Pittsburgh...used a Classical form (stone base, brick shaft, and ornamental cap) and elaborate Classical details, the most spectacular of which is the row of crouching male figures (called "atlantes" ...supporting the ornamental cornice at the roofline. An unfortunate remodeling during the 1960s altered the windows and their historical ornamental surrounds in the central section of the building.

I really like the bones of the Park Bldg. But that horrific 1960s fill in kind of kills the overall look. I hope it can stay. Could PNC be looking for another expansion?

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